A huge €720,763 was splashed out on Gardai during last summer’s All-Ireland championship

We understand that figure is expected to rise this year after terror attacks at major events in the UK led to extra security measures being put in place for matches and concerts in Ireland.

Last year was a busy one at Croke Park as it played host to Beyonce and Bruce Springsteen, and the football and hurling.

On top of overtime for Championship games, cops charged €120,000 for Springsteen’s two sell-out shows in May 2016, and €61,500 for Queen B’s July gig.

With the GAA season coming into the business end and Coldplay and U2 set to rock Croker this month, the armed support unit will be out in force.

Fianna Fail’s Sport spokesman Kevin O’Keeffe believes as long as match and concert-goers are kept safe the cash on extra security is money well spent. He told the Irish Sun: “As security goes up, costs are going to go up  but thankfully we’ve had no hiccups to date and if everyone is kept safe then it’s worth it.”

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On top of overtime for Championship games, cops charged €120,000 for Springsteen’s two sell-out shows in May 2016, and €61,500 for Queen B’s July gig.

With the GAA season coming into the business end and Coldplay and U2 set to rock Croker this month, the armed support unit will be out in force.

Fianna Fail’s Sport spokesman Kevin O’Keeffe believes as long as match and concert-goers are kept safe the cash on extra security is money well spent. He told the Irish Sun: “As security goes up, costs are going to go up  but thankfully we’ve had no hiccups to date and if everyone is kept safe then it’s worth it.”

A Croker spokeswoman added: “Croke Park prepares an event management plan for each event held in the stadium, in consultation with all the statutory services. It is our intention to ensure all patrons enjoy a great day out in a safe environment.”